Top Ten Tuesday: Books I've been reading in lock-down (and what I loved most about them)
Like a lot of people right now, I've had a lot of time on my hands lately. Work being closed has the dual effect of my being at home and also not being able to borrow books easily, so I've been reading stuff we have in the house (luckily, that's quite a lot.) This week's TTT (hosted at That Artsy Reader Girl is 'Reasons why I love X', so here are a few of the books I've read over the last few weeks, and what I loved most about them:
About a Boy
What I loved most: How close the film's dialogue sticks to the book - it's so familiar it's like an old friend. I know when all the jokes are coming but they still make me laugh anyway.
David Copperfield
What I loved most: This was my first Dickens and it was great. My favourite bit was the scene where he gets drunk for the first time. It was uncomfortably familiar and I was laughing... but also dying, from the university flashbacks it brought on.
The Phantom of the Opera
What I loved most: How bonkers it was. And this line, from the Phantom's mate, a character called simply 'The Persian': "You promised me Erik - no more murders!"
The Flat Share
What I loved most: The scene where they finally meet. I was waiting for the meet-cute to be a let down, but it was great.
Quentins
What I loved most: Just how awful the 'bad man' of this book was (Maeve Binchy always has one). He was one of the most despicable creations I've ever read, and I was here for it.
The Scarlet Pimpernel
What I loved most: Percy and Marguerite's relationship. I was a bit disappointed he never says 'sink me!' in the book though.
Sharpe's Prey
What I loved most: The chimney escape! Also how Sharpe is so unexpected - you think he's going to spare someone? Nope, he kills them. (I shouldn't enjoy that, but I do.)
Blood Brothers
What I loved most: All the emotions! It's sentimental and cheesy really, but - so good. And I liked being able to listen to the soundtrack after reading it. (I wouldn't normally read plays, but for some reason we have this in the house?)
Thomasina
What I loved most: The film sticks really close to the book! I got all nostalgic reading this (our old cat was Thomasina, after the film) and the chapters from the cat's point of view are so bizarre, I love it.
The History Boys
What I loved most: I love the film, and the play is basically exactly the same. I love the bits where they do brief encounter - and that one scene that's all in French.
Read anything random during lockdown?
I thought About a Boy was a romcom. I had no idea it was a book, too! (Or at least I think it was a romcom?)
ReplyDeleteHere is our Top Ten Tuesday.
Yeah definitely a rom-com! I love the film but the book's really good, the film sticks very close.
DeleteThe Flat Share was so good, and I loved that you had The Scarlet Pimpernel on your list!
ReplyDeleteWasn't it good, could definitely see it as a film! Scarlet Pimpernel was fun too :)
DeleteThis is a great list. I enjoyed Flat Share a lot, and now I'm looking forward to her next book.
ReplyDeleteThanks! Same, will definitely be keeping an eye out for more by her.
DeleteI had no idea that The Phantom of the Opera was a book! I did see the play many years ago and enjoyed it.
ReplyDeleteMy TTT .
I didn't either until recently! It's very readable but bizarre - pretty similar to the show.
DeleteI've definitely been reading more during lockdown too, it's the only benefit!
ReplyDeleteMy TTT: https://jjbookblog.wordpress.com/2020/05/19/top-ten-tuesday-264/
That, and people keep baking :D
DeleteAbout a Boy is one of my favorite books - and movies!! I really need to give it a re-read someday soon. The Flatshare is on my list of books I'd like to read.
ReplyDelete-Lauren
www.shootingstarsmag.net
About a Boy's one of my favourites too! :)
DeleteI've never read nay of these but I am familiar with some of them being a fan of musicals. Here is my post-https://paigesofbook.blogspot.com/2020/05/top-ten-tuesday-why-i-love-ya.html.
ReplyDeleteI love musicals too, but Phantom's pretty new to me - the book was fun though!
Delete"You promised me Erik - no more murders!" - Ahahaha brilliant, I can see why it's a classic. I've been hearing really good things about The Flat Share, I'll have to give it a try. Great list!
ReplyDeleteSo many funny moments in Phantom - sometimes intentional, haha. Thanks! Flatshare definitely worth a read I think.
DeleteI have never read The Phantom of the Opera, but would love to see how different it is from the musical.
ReplyDeleteIt's mad - sticks close mostly, although the end's a bit different - worth a read if you like the musical!
DeleteHa ha. The PHANTOM OF THE OPERA really is a strange book. I guess the play is a little odd, too, but I still love it!
ReplyDeleteHappy TTT!
I only saw it for the first time this year - so strange but I love it!
DeleteI've had The Phantom of the Opera on my TBR for a really long time because I love Gothic novels but haven't had the chance to read it yet. I'm hoping to finally read it this autumn!
ReplyDeleteWorth a read! I thought it was a quick read but mad.
DeleteI think the Phantom of the Opera book scared me more than the play.
ReplyDeleteI've not read much, my most "different" read was Restless Empire: A Historical Atlas of Russia. Brought back oh, pleasant memories of my Stalinism class, I don't think we really can comprehend the horror of that time or even before and after that time. It also reminded me how meaningless/new modern European borders are in Eastern Europe in particular, those countries spent most of their histories belonging to some empire or other.
I should read more non-fiction, my historical knowledge is very patchy except where it concerns the UK. But i'd normally reach for a historical novel if anything - I learn more that way! Russian history always seems very grim.
DeleteYes! The build up to when Leon and Tiffy finally meet made it even better than I thought it would be. Loved that book.
ReplyDeleteThe build up was great - I was worried they weren't going to meet until the very end but I liked how it worked out!
DeleteOMG! I had forgotten about Thomasina! I adored that book growing up! You've picked up some awesome reads lately! I really like the spin you put on this week's topic! Happy reading!
ReplyDeleteIt was such a nice book! Thanks!
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